Relative gets kidney from boxer who died after fight

November 24, 2009

The family of a Chicago-born boxer who died after a match in Philadelphia has donated his kidney to an ailing relative and other organs to at four other people, relatives and the Gift of Life Donor Program in Philadelphia said today.

Francisco "Paco" Rodriguez, known in boxing circles as "El Niño Azteka," fainted Friday night following a bout versus Teon Kennedy for the USBA super bantamweight title. He later fell into a coma and died two days later.

Alex Rodriguez, the boxer's brother, said the fighter's peak physical condition made him a natural decision to share his organs with those in need.

"One of Francisco's heartbeats is as strong as any person's three heartbeats. A doctor told me that," Rodriguez said. "Francisco will still walk the face of this earth in others."

The recipient relative, a cousin of Rodriguez's mother, had been in declining health and was receiving dialysis treatment. The family declined to identify the relative but said he lives in the Chicago area. (A previous version of this story incorrectly referred to the relative as an uncle.)

The Gift of Life Donor Program confirmed that there would be five recipients for Rodriguez's organs, including his relative.

John Green, a spokesman for the organization, said all of the transplants would likely take place by this week, including some that were being performed today.

Rodriguez, 25, is survived by his wife, Sonia, and a 5-month-old daughter, Ginette. He was considered a rising star in Chicago's boxing community, having won a national Golden Gloves championship at age 17, five local titles and a spot in the 2004 U.S. Olympic trials.